We Need Your Support for LGBTQ+ Journeys Like Mine!

By Yarit Rodriguez

Hola Amigues, 

I am a recent addition to the It Gets Better Project, and these past months have been transformative. I want to share a little about my journey so you’ll better understand the impact your support has in reaching English- and Spanish-speaking LGBTQ+ youth.

My family moved to the U.S. from Mexico when I was 13, and I grew up thinking that without a degree, my career choices were limited to farm work or fast food. After learning English, I gained a reputation as a “troublemaker” for standing up to bullies (I like to think I was an advocate in the making). I discovered a deep connection with my mom’s trans best friend, a fearless woman who ignited my passion for advocating for Brown and Black trans individuals. 

At 16, I became a legal and medical interpreter. My career always embraced intersectionality as it evolved through casework management, legal advocacy, and policy change for LGBTQ+ and Spanish-speaking communities. Working in these roles at a young age taught me that I could forge my own path — that a college degree isn’t the sole path to a successful and stable life.

The opportunity to work at the It Gets Better Project and connect with both English- and Spanish-speaking queer youth has been an honor I didn’t know was attainable.

With your help, we can continue to share resources and support through It Gets Better Español and empower even more LGBTQ+ youth around the globe! 

There are countless reasons why I cherish my work at It Gets Better — but if I could convey one essential message, it would be that we are here to provide LGBTQ+ youth with the resources and support they rightfully deserve to lead incredible lives. And we need your support to do that.

Saludos, 

Yarit Rodriguez
Communications Coordinator
It Gets Better Project